Vanguard Trailers issues two recalls for axle issues

Vanguard National Trailer Corp. is recalling certain van and reefer trailers for an axle issue that has resulted in recalls for three other trailer companies, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration documents.

Affected models include 2015-2016 Vanguard CIMC dry freight and refrigerated trailers equipped with Meritor EX225L2 or EX225L+ axles. The affected axle assemblies have caliper bolts that may not have been properly tightened, allowing the caliper mounting bolts to back out and the caliper to detach from the axle flange.

Vanguard also issued a recall for SAF-Holland tapered axles, part numbers 24790745090, 24790175090 and 24790165090. In the affected axles, the wheel end may separate from the axle due to an out-of-specification material thickness on the spindle.

On Thursday, Land Line reported on a Great Dane recall for the same Meritor axle defect. Less than three weeks ago, VT Hackney issued a recall for its Kidron refrigerated trailers for the same issue. Just four days prior to the VT Hackney recall, Wabash issued a recall for several of its trailers over Meritor axles.

Owners of affected trailers will be notified by Vanguard. Caliper bolts will be inspected and tightened as needed, free of charge. For more questions about the recall, contact Vanguard at 219-253-2000 or Meritor at 866-668-7221. Vanguard's number for the Meritor axle recall is 15E083. The number for the SAF-Holland axle recall is 15E-080.